Lecturer in Biology
Cornell University
United States

Lecturer in Biology

Inclusive excellence is a core value within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). We expect our faculty and staff to actively contribute to fostering an academic workplace climate that is welcoming and supportive and creates a sense of belonging for all.

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology is one of the oldest Chemistry departments in the nation with a proud history of discovery, innovation and scholarship. Among the faculty, there are Nobel Prize winners, National Academy Members, MacArthur Fellows and Guggenheim Fellows. Education is a central focus for the Department that teaches thousands of undergraduate and advanced students each year. Both graduate students and postdoctoral fellows perform cutting-edge chemical research that is supported by many national granting agencies and foundations. The Department is committed to the advancement and inclusion of all students and aims to foster a diverse environment for science and learning.

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology is one of the largest and most complex academic departments in CAS. The department has 35 tenure-track faculty positions and employs more than 70 other academics, 45 regular non-academic staff and a varying number of visiting scientists and other researchers. The undergraduate program is also very complex, with the department teaching approximately 6,000 students per year, in approximately 100 courses (many of these requiring a laboratory component). They occupy two large science buildings comprising 340,000 square feet with more than 30,000 additional square feet in the physical sciences building.

The Department is seeking a Lecturer to teach two Chemistry courses per semester with lab components.  Examples of courses to be taught include – General Chemistry (CHEM 2070 and 2080), Sophomore Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3570 and 3580), Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory (2510), Single Semester Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3530), Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 3010), and Chemistry for non-Major students (CHEM 1150).

Full course descriptions can be found here: (https://courses.cornell.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=52&poid=26834)

Teaching assignments may rotate based on the department’s teaching needs. Often, the lecturer will be teaching a course as the primary instructor and may also provide a supporting role to a tenure-track faculty member.  Courses can be team-taught, and therefore a collaborative spirit is essential.  The department is invested in developing and implementing active learning pedagogies and technologies and candidates should share this commitment. The successful candidate will be knowledgeable in effective classroom pedagogies to foster conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities of students and to encourage them to be independent and efficient learners. The successful candidate will train, support, and mentor undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants (TAs) in concert with course instruction. The successful candidate will be responsive to the ongoing development of alternative teaching techniques that continue to provide support for emerging student needs and will have an interest and drive for classroom and pedagogical innovation.

Responsibilities

Course curriculum development. Writing of lectures, problem sets, and examinations. Presentation of lectures. Organization of problem-solving sessions. Management and direction of teaching assistants. Development of grading rubrics, working individually or with TAs to grade course materials as needed. Development and implementation of laboratory experiments, assignment of course grades. Working with students one-on-one in office hours and problem-solving sessions, working with faculty and teaching instructors in broader curriculum development, working with administrative staff in course management and examination execution.  Providing guidance and academic advising to undergraduate students. 

The successful candidate will have:

• An advanced degree in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or Chemistry Education; PhD preferred.
• At least two years of experience teaching college-level chemistry. (This can include time as a graduate student teaching assistant or an instructor of record.)
• Knowledge of effective instructional pedagogies and learning strategies.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting academic achievement of students.
• Excellent planning, organization, and coordination skills.
• Ability and willingness to work and teach collaboratively.
• Initiative and interest in fostering an inclusive work environment.

This is a three-year renewable, 9-month, academic appointment beginning in Spring 2025 semester or sooner, depending on the successful candidate’s availability.

Responsibilities

Pay Range:

$62,100 - $70,100

Actual salary offers in the College of Arts and Sciences will be based on education, experience, discipline, and relevant skills.

Please submit the following materials through Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/28034):

• CV
• General letter of interest.
• Teaching statement.
• Names and contact information of three people able to provide information on the applicant’s teaching and her/his ability to work with diverse students.

Applications received by August 31, 2024 will receive full consideration.

Pay Range:

$49,700.00 - $122,000.00

Pay Ranges:

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience.
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position.
• Academic Discipline (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)
• Unique applicable skills.

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at equity@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.